Make older programs run in this version of Windows

Most programs written for Windows Vista also work in this version of Windows, but some older programs might run poorly or not at all. If a program written for an earlier version of Windows doesn't run correctly, you can try changing the compatibility settings for the program, either manually or by using the Program Compatibility troubleshooter.

Watch this video to learn how to make older programs run in this version of Windows (1:26)

If changing the settings doesn't fix the problem, go to the program manufacturer's website to see if there is an update for the program.

Warning

Do not use the Program Compatibility troubleshooter on older antivirus programs, disk utilities, or other system programs because it might cause data loss or create a security risk.

To run the Program Compatibility troubleshooter

Open the Program Compatibility troubleshooter by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting. Under Programs, click Run programs made for previous versions of Windows.

Follow the instructions in the troubleshooter.

If you cannot install a program, insert the installation disc for the program and, using the troubleshooter, browse to the program's setup file, usually called Setup.exe, Install.exe, or something similar. The troubleshooter is not designed to work on programs that have an .msi file name extension.

Tip

You can also open the Program Compatibility troubleshooter by right-clicking a program's icon or shortcut and then clicking Troubleshoot compatibility.

To change compatibility settings manually for a program, right-click the program icon, click Properties, and then click the Compatibility tab.

Setting

Description

Setting

Compatibility mode

Description

Runs the program using settings from a previous version of Windows. Try this setting if you know the program is designed for (or worked in) a specific previous version of Windows.

Setting

Run in 256 colors

Description

Uses a limited set of colors in the program. Some older programs are designed to use fewer colors.

Setting

Run in 640 × 480 screen resolution

Description

Runs the program in a smaller-sized window. Try this setting if the graphical user interface appears jagged or is rendered improperly.

Setting

Disable visual themes

Description

Disables themes on the program. Try this setting if you notice problems with the menus or buttons on the title bar of the program.

Setting

Disable desktop composition

Description

Turns off transparency and other advanced display features. Choose this setting if window movement appears erratic or you notice other display problems.

Setting

Disable display scaling on high DPI settings

Description

Turns off automatic resizing of programs if large-scale font size is in use. Try this setting if large-scale fonts are interfering with the appearance of the program. For more information, see Make the text on your screen larger or smaller.

Setting

Privilege level

Description

Runs the program as an administrator. Some programs require administrator privileges to run properly. If you are not currently logged on as an administrator, this option is not available.

Setting

Change settings for all users

Description

Lets you choose settings that will apply to all users on this computer.

Most programs written for Windows XP also work in this version of Windows, but some older programs might run poorly or not at all. If a program written for an earlier version of Windows doesn't run correctly, use the Program Compatibility Wizard to change the compatibility settings for the program. To change settings for a program manually, use the individual program's Compatibility tab.

If changing the settings does not fix the problem, go to the program manufacturer's website to see if there is an update for the program.

Warning

Do not use the Program Compatibility Wizard on older antivirus programs, disk utilities, or other system programs because it might cause data loss or create a security risk.

Run the Program Compatibility Wizard

Open the Program Compatibility Wizard by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking Use an older program with this version of Windows.

Follow the instructions in the wizard.

If you cannot install a program, insert the installation disc for the program and, using the wizard, browse to the program's setup file, usually called Setup.exe, Install.exe, or something similar. The wizard is not designed to work on programs that have an .msi file name extension.

To change compatibility settings manually for a program, right-click the icon for the program, click Properties, and then click the Compatibility tab.

Setting

Description

Setting

Compatibility mode

Description

Runs the program using settings from a previous version of Windows. Try this setting if you know the program is designed for (or worked in) a specific previous version of Windows.

Setting

Run in 256 colors

Description

Uses a limited set of colors in the program. Some older programs are designed to use fewer colors.

Setting

Run in 640 × 480 screen resolution

Description

Runs the program in a smaller-sized window. Try this setting if the graphical user interface appears jagged or is rendered improperly.

Setting

Disable visual themes

Description

Disables themes on the program. Try this setting if you notice problems with the menus or buttons on the title bar of the program.

Setting

Disable desktop composition

Description

Turns off transparency and other advanced display features. Choose this setting if window movement appears erratic or you notice other display problems.

Runs the program as an administrator. Some programs require administrator privileges to run properly. If you are not currently logged on as an administrator, this option is not available.

Setting

Show settings for all users

Description

Lets you choose settings that will apply to all users on this computer.

Note

To find out if your programs (or programs you plan to buy) are compatible with Windows Vista, go online to the Windows Vista Compatibility Center. This website contains a comprehensive list of programs and devices that work with Windows Vista.